COULD I, from Heav'n inspir'd, as sure presage And item down the victims of the past; How each would trembling wait the mournful sheet, Time then would seem more precious than the joys, Then doubtless many a trifler, on the brink Ah self-deceiv'd! Could I prophetic say The rest might then seem privileg'd to play; Observe the dappled foresters, how light Had we their wisdom, should we, often warn'd, Sad waste for which no after-thrift atones. Learn then ye living! by the mouths be taught ON A SIMILAR OCCASION, FOR THE YEAR 1789. -Placidaque ibi demum morte quievit. VIRG. There calm at length he breath'd his soul away. "The hour that terminates his span, "His folly and his wo! "Worlds should not bribe me back to tread "Again life's dreary waste, "To see again my day o'erspread "With all the gloomy past. "My home henceforth is in the skies, "Earth, seas, and sun adieu! "All Heav'n unfolded to my eyes, "I have no sight for you." So spake Aspasio, firm possess'd The bosom of his God. He was a man among the few Sincere on virtue's side; And all his strength from Scripture drew, To hourly use applied. That rule he priz'd, by that he fear'd, He hated, hop'd, and lov'd; Nor ever frown'd, or sad appear'd, But when his heart had rov'd. For he was frail, as thou or I, But, when he felt it, heav'd a sigh, Such liv'd Aspasio; and at last His joys be mine, each Reader cries, They shall be yours, my Verse replies, ON A SIMILAR OCCASION, FOR THE YEAR 1790. Ne commonentem recta sperne. BUCHANAN. Despise not my good counsel. He who sits from day to day, Hardly knows that he has sung. Where the watchman in his round So your verse-man I, and clerk, And the foe's unerring aim. Duly at my time I come, Publishing to all aloud Soon the grave must be your home, |